Why is “Uber for Moving” So Popular?
Here’s the bottom line: Moving doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive, especially for small jobs. On-demand moving apps (often dubbed “Uber for moving”) are revolutionizing how people handle small moves, furniture pickups, and one-off deliveries.
If you don’t want to rent a truck or ask your friends, these apps can offer a fast, flexible, and affordable solution.
At moveBuddha, we help thousands of people simplify their move every month. Below, we break down the best “Uber for moving” apps in 2025, how they work, and which one might be the right fit for your next move.
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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
What is “Uber for moving” and why is it popular?
“Uber for moving” refers to app-based services that connect users with local movers and drivers for short, small, or last-minute moving jobs. Instead of hiring a traditional moving company or renting a truck, you can book vetted movers via an app, often for the same day or within hours.
These services are gaining popularity because they solve some of the biggest pain points of moving:
- Fast turnaround: Book moving help in minutes for same-day or next-day jobs.
- Transparent pricing: Get upfront rates with no surprises or haggling.
- Flexible options: Move one item, clean out your garage, or haul furniture from Facebook Marketplace.
- Stress-free logistics: No need to find a rental truck, chase quotes, or wrangle friends for help.
Whether you’re relocating a dorm room or hauling a Craigslist couch, moving services like Bellhop provide an easier way to move on your terms.
rating
4.3 / 5
89% of users select this mover
How do “Uber for moving” apps work?
Booking a move through an app is quick and easy. Here’s what the process typically looks like:
- Download the app: Choose a service like Lugg, Dolly, or GoShare from the App Store or Google Play.
- Create an account: Enter your contact info and verify your phone or email.
- Enter your move details: Provide the pickup and drop-off locations, item descriptions, and any special notes (stairs, fragile items, etc.).
- Get your quote: The app will show you real-time pricing based on the distance, item size, and labor required.
- Book your movers: Confirm the job and get matched with nearby help, often within minutes.
- Track and communicate: Use the app to message your mover, track their ETA, and receive updates.
- Moving day: The movers will load, transport, and unload your items. Payment and tips are handled directly through the app.
- Leave a review: Rate your experience to help future users and ensure accountability.
Most apps offer in-app photos, GPS tracking, and basic insurance coverage for added peace of mind.
Top “Uber for moving” apps in 2025
Each app offers something different. Some specialize in store deliveries, while others excel at moving apartments or handling junk removal. Here’s how they compare:
| App | Service areas | Best for | Pricing model | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lugg | Major metros (SF, LA, NYC, Seattle, DC) | Retail deliveries, quick furniture moves | $40–$80 base + per mile/min | Instant booking, IKEA/Costco partners |
| Dolly | Dozens of U.S. cities | Bulky items, micro-moves, junk removal | Varies by job | Real-time tracking, flexible scheduling |
| GoShare | 50+ U.S. cities | Business logistics, heavy lifting | $50–$100/hr + mileage | Insurance included, commercial support |
| Bellhop | 100+ U.S. cities | Apartment moves, dorm relocations | Flat rate or hourly | Background-checked movers, flat quotes |
| TaskRabbit | U.S., UK, Canada | Labor-only moving, furniture assembly | $35–$75/hr | Book help for nearly any task |
| Schlep | Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Detroit | Local, single-item moves | Varies by job | Simple, affordable option |
| Pickup | Texas, Southeast, Midwest | Retail store pickups and delivery | $1.50/mile + $0.80/min | Retailer partnerships, fast scheduling |
Pro tip: Always check availability in your ZIP code before booking. Many apps are only active in major cities.
When “Uber for moving” apps make sense
These services are ideal for small-scale, short-distance jobs where speed and flexibility matter most. You’ll get the best value and experience if you use them for:
- Small moves: Studio apartments, college dorms, or one-bedroom units
- Single-item moves: Beds, sofas, desks, dressers, or large boxes
- Marketplace pickups: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp buys
- Retail deliveries: Big-box stores like IKEA, Costco, or Home Depot
- Junk removal: Clearing out old furniture or appliances
- Heavy or bulky items: Exercise gear, tool chests, or large electronics
While Uber-style moving apps are the right call for some smaller moves, the costs can add up. Here are a few of the top full-service moving companies we recommend who can handle more complex moves.
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How much do “Uber for moving” services cost?
Pricing is one of the biggest advantages of these apps. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll typically pay:
- Hourly rates: Most services range from $40 to $100 per hour, often with 1- to 2-hour minimums
- Per-mile or per-minute fees: Expect $1.50 to $2.00 per mile, depending on the platform
- Flat rates: Some platforms offer flat-rate pricing for single-item jobs
- Complexity fees: Stairs, elevator buildings, or special handling may raise your rate
Common price ranges:
- Couch or mattress delivery: $65–$120
- Studio apartment move: $150–$300
- Retail pickup: $50–$90
- Junk removal: $80–$200
Tip: Always get a quote before confirming your booking. Comparing apps can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Real reviews from Better Moves Project users
Here’s what one of our readers, Madisen, said about her experience with Bellhop, a popular “uber for moving” app that lets you book services:
“My move was quick, and the pricing was accurate and affordable. Bellhop’s communication was great and the claims process for my damaged items went smoothly.” – Madisen, Florida to Tennessee
Learn MoreAre Uber-style moving services safe and legit?
Generally, yes, but be smart about it. Here’s how to protect yourself against moving scams:
- Insurance: Most apps include basic coverage, but check the limits before booking.
- Verified movers: Look for movers that perform background checks on drivers and helpers.
- User reviews: Ratings help weed out unreliable movers.
- Licensing: Reputable services provide proof of insurance and licensing if asked.
- Red flags: Avoid apps with no customer support, cash-only payment, or shady policies.
Is “Uber for moving” right for your situation?
If you’re making a small move, buying furniture, or need quick help moving bulky items, these apps offer speed, convenience, and price transparency. They’re usually not ideal for cross-country relocations or for moving your entire house.
Use our moving cost calculator to compare rates and find the best moving companies for your situation.
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FAQs
Can I use Uber or Lyft to move furniture?
No. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft aren’t licensed to transport large household goods.
Are app-based movers insured?
Most moving companies, whether they use an app or not, provide basic coverage, but it’s often limited. Always check your moving policy’s terms or consider third-party insurance for valuable items.
Can I schedule my move ahead of time?
Many apps allow you to book your move several days or weeks in advance, not just same-day.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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